Mausima Temple, an architectural beauty of Balagandi square, is positioned halfway on the right side of the Grand Road that leads from the Jagannath Temple towards Gundicha temple. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Mausima. The goddess is also revered as Mausima (the mother`s sister) of Lord Jagannath. The word Mausima is an amalgamation of two words, `Mausi` and `Ma`. `Mausi` in Oriya language means `Aunt` and `Ma` means `Goddess`. Devotees visiting the temple also revere the goddess as Ardhasini.

Legend of Mausima Temple
The legendry story of Mausima Temple narrates the divine powers of the deity. According to one such story stated in the Vaisanava Knadha of Skanda Purana once, Goddess Mausima drank half the water of sea that flooded the city of Puri in Orissa. This helped in saving the city and the deity was bestowed with the epithet Ardhasini. The temple is also famous as Ardhasini Temple among its devotees. The belief reigns high in the hearts of the denizens that Goddess Ardhasini, coupled with Kapalamochana Shiva, serve as the day and night guardians of the town.

Festivals of Mausima Temple
Adorning the face of the enchanting and pious town of Puri, Mausima Temple, built centuries ago provide substantial evidence about the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the artisans of the primeval period. The temple facing the southern direction enshrines the idol of the deity in its sanctum sanctorum or garbhagriha. The Car festival, celebrated as one of the prominent event of Lord Jagannath, draws hordes of devotees to the temple.

On the Bahuda Jatra day i.e. on the return car festival day, the chariots of Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken to the Singha Dwara of Jagannth Temple while the chariot of Jagannath arrives at Mausima temple. Here, Lord Jagannth is offered the rice cake known as `Poda Pitha.` Besides, the temple also celebrates other festivals such as Maha Saptami, Maha Astami, Maha Navami drawing thousands of devotees from different corners.

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